How Funerals Work

Serving the communities of St. Helens, Wigan and surrounding areas with compassion and care.

Here at Bate and Holland, we pride ourselves in serving the St. Helens and Wigan community with compassion and care during difficult times. We understand that the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming, and we are here to guide you through the process of arranging a meaningful and dignified funeral. In this guide, we will explain how funerals work, including the preparation beforehand, and discuss the two main types of funerals: cremation and burial.

Preparation Before the Funeral

When you first contact us, we will arrange a meeting to discuss your preferences and gather the necessary information to begin the funeral arrangements. There are a few things you will need to get before arranging your funeral, which you can learn more about in our guide to arranging a funeral.

We understand that this is a sensitive time, and we aim to provide a supportive and compassionate environment for you to express your wishes.

For both cremation and burial, there are several important steps we will guide you through:

Choosing the Type of Funeral

We will discuss with you the options of cremation and burial, explaining the process and requirements for each. You may have personal or religious reasons for preferring one over the other, and we will ensure your wishes are respected.

Selecting the Location

If you opt for cremation, we will assist you in selecting a suitable crematorium. We will provide information about available options, such as chapels and facilities for post-cremation gatherings. If you choose burial, we will help you choose a cemetery that meets your needs, considering factors such as location and available burial plots.

Arranging the Necessary Paperwork

We will guide you through the paperwork required for the funeral. This may include obtaining the death certificate, completing necessary forms for the cremation or burial, and liaising with the relevant authorities to ensure all legal requirements are met. We can take care of most of the third-party work - such as burial fees, grave costs and ministers' charges. These will be included in your pricing.

Personalising the Funeral

We understand that each person is unique, and we strive to create a funeral service that reflects their life and honours their memory. We will discuss with you the various elements of the service, such as music, readings, and eulogies, helping you create a meaningful and personalised ceremony. We have a selection of alternative hearses available if you want a more memorable and personalised service.

The Day of the Funeral

On the day of the funeral, our dedicated team will be there to support you and ensure everything runs smoothly. Here is a detailed overview of a typical funeral from the perspective of a funeral director:

Funeral Cortege

It is common for an address, whether this be the person who has passed away’s home, or a family members home, to be the starting point for the funeral cortege. A time will be arranged with the funeral director, for the cars to arrive at the address. We will follow a pre-planned route to the location of the funeral, and co-ordinate the vehicles to ensure they are ready to lead the way to the chosen location. Our experienced staff will manage the transportation, allowing family members to travel together and arrive safely.

Conducting the Ceremony

During the funeral service, we will oversee the smooth running of the proceedings. If a religious or celebrant officiates the service, we will work closely with them to ensure the service flows as planned. We will coordinate the playing of music, manage any readings or eulogies, and provide assistance with any rituals or customs that are part of the service.

Committal (Cremation or Burial)

Following the ceremony, we will guide you through the committal process. In the case of cremation, we will accompany you to the crematorium, where the coffin will be placed in the cremation chamber. We will ensure that all necessary documentation and procedures are followed with the utmost care and respect. For a burial, we will oversee the lowering of the coffin into the grave, ensuring that it is done with dignity and sensitivity.

At Bate & Holland Funeral Services, we believe that every life deserves to be celebrated and remembered with dignity. Our experienced team will ensure that your loved one’s funeral is a meaningful tribute, reflecting their unique journey and giving comfort to those left behind. We are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance, compassion, and professionalism during this difficult time.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or if there is anything we can do to assist you.

Meaningful Celebrations of Life

We understand that losing a loved one can be an incredibly difficult time, and our team is here to guide you through every step of the funeral process with care and professionalism.

The Onyx Package

(Direct Unattended Funeral)

£
703
The Asteria Package

(Non-Ceremonial Funeral)

£
995
The Antares Package

(Hearse Only Funeral)

£
1300
The Osiris Package

(Hearse + 1 Limousine Funeral)

£
1775

How Much Will the Funeral Cost?

With our funeral packages, the total cost of the funeral will be the package cost, plus disbursements. Fill out our funeral cost calculator to get a more accurate idea of how much the funeral will cost. If you have any questions please get in touch.

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